The asOSByteArray attribute represents the contents as a byte array.

The contents attribute represents a byte array of the smalltalk memory.

The contentsAsString attribute returns the received data in the form of a string.

The length attribute represents the length of the buffer.

The self attribute represents the part itself, and you cannot change the basic definition of a part. In general, the self attribute is a read-only attribute, and is used for passing a value or values to another part. It is not used for receiving any values.

For example, you can connect the self attribute of an Ordered Collection part to the items attribute of a List part. The Ordered Collection part does not change to a different type of part because of the connection. Instead, the Ordered Collection part populates the List part with the items that it contains.

You can use the self attribute in an attribute-to-attribute connection, as a parameter in an event-to-action connection, or wherever an attribute can be used.